Nigeria: 25-Year-Old Nigerian Invents Electricity Generating Football

Jessica Mathew, a 25-year-old Nigerian, from Edo State, yesterday presented an electricity generating football and skipping rope she invented to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja.

The presentation earned Jessica an appointment as a soccer ambassador. The soccer ball, as demonstrated by Jessica, could generate three hours of electricity after 30 minutes of play and could store power for three days.

She said, the electricity generated by the ball could be used as electricity source to power lighting points and household equipments, adding that the airless football when not in use, could last for one-and-half years before replacement.

Jessica, a graduate of Psychology and Economics from Havard University, United States, said she taught herself Electrical and Mechanical Engineering because she was keenly interested in it.

"I am a Nigerian and was at my Aunt's wedding when electrical power went off. Is there anyone who has not been affected? For me I was raised to seek a solution when there is a problem, to be as creative as I can be and open to different ideas so I can address any situation," she said.

On why she chose to use the football, She said, "to me, we all know that football is the most popular thing in the world. To most people, a football form is the most convenient. Any man on the street will be attracted to kicking a football. So, the idea is to put something that people really love and get more out of it.

Trade and Investment Minister, Olusegun Aganga said Jessica's innovation which has been accepted and already in use in the US would be affordable when mass produced and introduced into the Nigerian market.

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